Kingston Hotel 5 at Chow Kit

We were very satisfied with our first stay and would choose Kingston Hotel 5 Chow Kit again. The staff were welcoming and professional, the room was very clean, and even the area outside it was nicely designed. We didn't have a small fridge, but everything else we expected from a hotel was there, so it wasn't a big issue. For an affordable, comfortable base in Kuala Lumpur, the location worked well for getting to attractions. AGL, SPL, and MRL stations are nearby, with access to places including Pasar Seni, KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, KL Bus Station, and Putrajaya. There's also a night market close by for street food.

The heater in my room had a small issue. Support couldn't fix it straight away, but they arranged an upgrade to another room. Zubed handled everything professionally, and I really appreciated the help. Very satisfied with the service, thank you!

The location was handy for getting around. Chow Kit monorail station is about an eight minute walk, and with transfers you can reach most parts of the city. There are plenty of local restaurants nearby, and Chow Kit market is good for cheap shopping and local bargains. The elevator was fine and not crowded, WiFi worked well, and the air conditioning was effective. The bed and comforter were good, the sheets were clean, and the bathroom was acceptable. There is no gym, pool, or spa. My main concern was the room assignment. When booking online, a listing that says “room assigned on arrival” seems likely to mean an interior corridor room. Those rooms have no windows or ventilation, smell musty, and feel moldy. You can't tell day from night, and the bathroom doors don't close properly. Most of the negative reviews I saw seemed to come from people in those rooms. The hotel also has more comfortable rooms with city or Twin Towers views, though they cost more. Check exactly which room type you're booking. The booking photos mostly showed rooms with large windows, which gave a misleading impression. For a family, I'd choose a family deluxe or city view room. I'd only recommend staying one night if you get a room with windows. Check-in was average. Early check-in seemed unlikely, with most guests getting rooms closer to 2 pm even though official check-in is at 3 pm. As a solo backpacker, I found the staff not very cooperative. Zubed handled most of my interactions, and his responses to issues felt defensive and dismissive. On the first day there were no cups for water or coffee; when I asked, staff showed me photos saying the cups had already been put there. On the second day my towels weren't replaced, and when I asked for new ones I was told they couldn't provide them, almost as if I were trying to take hotel property. It felt uncomfortable and unprofessional. Nasrin at reception was more polite and understanding. She said she might be able to offer a better room when one became available, but the next day I was told the upgrade would cost extra. It was easier to get basic items from housekeeping than reception. Breakfast was decent but not a highlight. It was basic North Indian style, usually two choices such as kulcha or poori with dal or curry, plus fruit, bread, milk, coffee, cornflakes, and boiled eggs. For what I paid, the experience was average. I think paying another RM100 upfront for a better room would have been worthwhile, but room types aren't clearly shown when booking. Guests shouldn't be pressured to pay more after arrival for what appears in the photos to be the standard room. Check the photos, understand the floor plan, and confirm the exact room type before booking. Avoid the interior corridor rooms.

Nasrin Mam was so sweet and guided us really well during our three-day stay. All the staff and amenities were very good, and I had a great experience here.